10 Causes of Rib Pain
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
Cause #9: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body. Symptoms can range from mild to severe such as hair loss, swollen joints, painful joints, chest pain or rib pain, fever, mouth ulcers, lymphadenopathy, tiredness, and rash on the face.
SLE is thought to be due to a combination of both environmental and genetic factors. Risk factors include vitamin D deficiency, female sex hormones, smoking, sunlight, and some infections. Although there is no cure for SLE, treatment that helps improve symptoms include corticosteroids, NSAIDs, hydroxychloroquine, immunosuppressants, and methotrexate.
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